BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to optical information processing apparatus and method
for an image sensing device of an industrial robot or the like which carries out filtering
of an input image in a spatial frequency range, image processing such as feature extraction
or the like, or discriminating an input pattern coincident with a specific reference
pattern among a plurality of input images.
Description of the Prior Art
[0002] A conventional optical information processing apparatus of this type is disclosed,
for example in Japanese Patent laid-open publication No. H2-132412.
[0003] Fig. 7 shows a fundamental composition thereof.
[0004] In this apparatus, when an object is picked up by a TV camera 401, the image thereof
is displayed on a first liquid crystal display 402 which is irradiated by a coherent
light emitted from a laser diode 403 and collimated by a collimater lens 404. Since
the first liquid crystal display 402 is arranged in the front focal plane of a first
lens 405, a Fourier transformed image of the object is formed on a second liquid crystal
displayed 406 arranged in the rear local plane of the first lens 405. At this time,
a Fourier transformed image of a specific reference pattern is simultaneously displayed
as an optical filter on the second liquid crystal display 406 in a form of Fourier
transformation computer
generated hologram by modulating spatially the
transmissive rate of each pixel thereof using data related to the specific reference pattern which
is memorized in a ROM 407. Accordingly, the Fourier transformed images of the object
and the specific reference image are superposed on the second liquid crystal display
406.
[0005] Since the second liquid crystal display is arranged in the front plane of a second
lens 408, these Fourier transformed images are optically Fourier transformed by the
second lens 408. If both Fourier transformed images on the second display 406 coincide
with each other, a bright point is generated on rear focal plane of the second lens
408 and is detected by a photodetector 409. Thus, the object is discriminated by detecting
the bright point.
[0006] However, in the conventional apparatus mentioned above, it is impossible to perform
an exact pattern matching in a case in that an object is varied in the scale thereof
or rotated since correlation factors between the images of the object and the reference
pattern are varied thereby.
[0007] In order to solve this problem, D. Casasent et. al., proposed to perform a pattern
matching between the image of the object and the reference pattern after executing
a coordinate transformation of the image of the object which is invariant to variation
in the scale thereof or rotation thereof [See D. Casasent et. al., Appl. Opt. 26,938
(1987)].
[0008] However, according to the composition proposed by D. Casasent et. al., a plurality
of input patterns have to be interchanged in turn and, also, it becomes necessary
to interchange a plurality of phase filters for coordinate transformation in turn
upon performing plural coordinate transformations. However, since it becomes necessary
to position each phase filter at an extremely high accuracy, real-time processing
for the coordinate transformation of the input pattern is impossible resulting in
a lack of flexibility.
[0009] Furthermore, the apparatus of this type has a disadvantage in that it is difficult
to recognize an object exactly when the object is moved parallel to the origin of
a logarithmic
polar coordinate since scale and rotation invariance is obtained only in a case that the
center of the object coincides with the origin of the above coordinate.
[0010] This will be explained below using Figs. 8 and 9.
[0011] In Fig. 8, (b) shows a pattern obtained by rotating pattern of (a) by 90° about the
origin of coordinate, (c) shows a pattern obtained by magnifying the pattern of (a)
by k-times and (d) shows a pattern obtained by shifting the pattern of (a) in x-direction
by a distance m. In Fig. 9, (a), (b), (c) and (d) show patterns obtained by logarithmic
polar coordinate transforming patterns of (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Fig. 8. As is apparent
in Fig. 9, the patterns of (b) and (c) are obtained by parallel-shifting the pattern
of (a). Since the shift invariance is maintained in the pattern matching with use
of a Fourier transforming optical system, patterns of (a), (b) and (c) are recognized
same and, accordingly, the scale and rotation invariance is maintained at the origin.
However, the pattern (d) being the pattern obtained from the pattern (d) of Fig. 8
is quite different from the pattern (a) and, accordingly, the former is not recognized
same as the latter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One of object of the present invention is to provide an optical information processing
apparatus and method which is able to process optical information real-time and, accordingly,
to afford a great flexibility.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide optical information processing
apparatus and method capable of recognizing a target object exactly even if it is
shifted parallel to the origin of a coordinate of the system.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide optical information processing
apparatus and method capable of measuring an angle of rotation of and distance to
a target object.
[0015] To accomplish these objects, according to the present invention, an input image of
a target object is optically Fourier-transformed at first and, then, the Fourier-transformed
image is logarithmic polar coordinate-transformed. Pattern matching is made to the
resultant image of the input image by comparing the same with images obtained by transforming
reference images in a similar manner as above.
[0016] Thus, according to the present invention, the correlation factor between the input
image and the reference image is kept inchanged even if the object is rotated or parallel-shifted
or the input image is varied in scale.
[0017] The coordinate-transformation for the input image is made as a real-time processing
by displaying an optical phase filter therefor such as a computer generated hologram
on the second spatial light modulator.
[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the Fourier-transformation and
coordinate-transformation regarding reference patterns can be made beforehand using
by a computer. Data thus obtained are memorized in a memory and it becomes possible
to obtain an optical image necessary for comparing with the coordinate-transformed
image of the Fourier-transformed image of an input image on the spatial light modulator
directly.
[0019] Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the rotation angle
of an object and/or distance thereto can be measured by detecting the maximum correlation
value between two images while rotating and/or zooming the image input means relative
to the object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from
the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof
with reference to the accompanying drawings throughout which like parts are designated
by like reference numerals, and in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an optical information processing apparatus according
to a first referred embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2(A), 2(B), 2(C) and 2(D) are plan views for showing optical images at positions
A, B, C and D indicated in Fig. 1,
Fig. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are block diagrams showing optical information processing apparatus
according to second to fifth preferred embodiments of the present invention,
Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional optical information processing apparatus,
Fig. 8 shows variations of input images having one origin, and
Fig. 9 shows coordinate-transformed images of respective input images shown in Fig.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[First preferred embodiment]
[0021] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for showing a composition of an optical information processing
apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] In Fig. 1, a reference numeral 1 indicates a TV camera capable of varying zooming
ratio, 2 indicates a first liquid crystal display which displays the image of an object
picked up by said camera, 3 indicates a laser diode, 4 indicates a collimeter lens
which collimates the laser light emitted from said laser diode 3 and 5 indicates a
first lens. The first liquid crystal display 2 is arranged on the front focal plane
of the first lens 5. A second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged on the rear focal
plane of the first lens 5. A reference numeral 7 indicates a first memory which memorizes
data of coordinate transformation computer generated hologram calculated for plural
coordinate transformations with sampling points of respective pixels on the second
liquid crystal display 6. In other words, voltage data to applied corresponding to
transmittance of individual pixels of the second display have been written into said
first memory 7. A reference numeral 8 indicates a second lens and on the front focal
plane thereof, said second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged. Further, a reference
numeral 9 is a third lens arranged so as to have the front focal plane which coincides
with the rear focal plane of the second lens 8, 10 indicates a third liquid crystal
display arranged on the rear focal plane of the third lens 9 and 11 indicates a second
memory which memorizes data of Fourier transformation computer generated hologram
calculated for plural reference patterns with sampling points of respective pixels
on the third liquid crystal display 10. In other words, voltage data to be applied
corresponding to transmittances of individual pixels of the third display 10 have
been written into said second memory 11.
[0023] Further, reference numeral 12, 13 and 14 indicate a fourth lens having a front focal
plane on the third liquid crystal display 10, a photoelectric transforming device
arranged on the rear focal plane of the fourth lens and a device for rotating the
TV camera, respectively.
[0024] When the image of an object is picked up by the TV camera 1, the same is displayed
on the first liquid crystal display 2. For instance, when the object is character
"F" as shown in Fig. 2(A), the character "F" itself is displayed on the first liquid
crystal display 2.
[0025] This first liquid crystal display 2 is irradiated by a coherent light emitted from
the laser diode 3 and collimated by the first collimater lens 5. Since it is arranged
on the front focal plane of the first lens 5, a Fourier transformed image I
F of the object image is formed on the rear focal plane of the first lens 5, namely
on the second liquid crystal display 6 by the first lens 5. Fig. 2(B) shows the Fourier
transformed image of character "F", for example.
[0026] At the same time, phase information A of a phase filter for performing an optical
coordinate transformation is displayed in a form of a coordinate transforming computer
generated hologram by modulating transmittances of respective pixels of the second
liquid crystal display 6 spatially using the data written into the first memory 7
as input signals. The method for forming phase information of the phase filter is
disclosed, for example, in the article by D. Casansent et. al., mentioned above.
[0027] Accordingly, the Fourier transformed image I
F of the object image and the phase informations A for performing a specific coordinate
transformation are superposed on the second liquid crystal display 6 and a composite
image I
F x A is formed.
[0028] Further, since the second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged on the front focal
plane of the second lens 8, said composite image I
F x A is optically Fourier-transformed by the second lens 8 and, thereby, a coordinate
transformed image CT(I
F) of the Fourier transformed image I
F which is equivalent to a Fourier transformed image FT(I
F x A) of said composite image I
F x A is formed on the rear focal plane of the second lens 8 (See Fig. 2(C)). Hereinafter,
symbols CT and FT indicate "coordinate transformations" and "Fourier transformation",
respectively.
[0029] Since the rear focal plane of the second lens 8 is arranged on the front focal plane
of the third lens 9, an optically Fourier transformed image FT{CT(I
F)} of the CT(I
F){= FT[FT(I
F x A)]} is formed on the rear focal plane of the third lens 9, namely on the third
liquid crystal display 10.
[0030] At the same time, a Fourier transformed image FT{CT(B)} of a coordinate transformed
image CT(B) of a Fourier transformed image B of a specific reference pattern is displayed
on the third liquid crystal display 10 as an optical filter in a form of Fourier transforming
computer generated hologram by modulating transmittances of respective pixels of the
third liquid crystal display 10 using the data written in the second memory 11 as
input signals.
[0031] Thus, both Fourier transformed images FT{CT(I
F)} and FT{CT(B)} are superposed on the third liquid crystal display 10 to form a composite
image FT{CT(I
F)} x FT{CT(B)} (See Fig. 24).
[0032] Also, since the third liquid crystal display 10 is arranged on the front focal plane
of the fourth lens 12, the composite image FT{CT(I
F)} x FT{CT(B)} is optically Fourier transformed by the fourth lens 12. If CT(I
F) coincides with CT(B), namely both are the same image, a luminescent point is generated
on the rear focal plane of the second lens 8 and is detected by the photodetector
13. According to the first preferred embodiment, an object image is optically Fourier
transformed at first and the Fourier transformed image is pattern-matched with a reference
pattern after performing a logarithmic polar coordinate transformation to the former.
Therefore, correlation values with the reference pattern are kept unchange even if
the object is rotated or parallel-displaced or the scale thereof is changed.
[0033] Further, it becomes possible to transform an input pattern real time easily by displaying
the image picked up by the TV camera 1 on the first liquid crystal display 2. Furthermore,
since it is possible to form phase filters in turn on the second liquid crystal display
6 real time by modulating transmittances of respective pixels spatially according
to phase information for performing plural coordinate transformations which have been
written in the first memory 7 beforehand, the real-time capability and flexibility
of the optical information processing apparatus are highly enhanced.
[0034] When the pattern matching with the reference pattern having been recognized is performed
after executing a coordinate transformation capable of keeping the correlation value
with the reference pattern unchanged, for example, a logarithmic transformation while
rotating the TV camera 1 by the rotation device 14, the correlation value varies as
the TV camera rotates. When the correlation value becomes maximum, a rotation angle
between the object and the reference pattern becomes equal to zero. Accordingly, it
becomes possible to detect the rotation angle of the object by measuring a rotation
angle of the TV camera 1 from the initial position to a position at which the correlation
value becomes maximum using, for example an encoder.
[0035] Further, when the pattern matching with the recognized reference pattern is performed
while varying the zooming ratio of the TV camera 1 without any coordinate transformation
by lighting the whole of the second liquid crystal display 6, the correlation value
is varied according to the zooming ratio. When the correlation value becomes maximum,
the magnitude of an object image coincides with that of the recognized reference pattern.
Accordingly, the magnitude of the input object image can be obtained from the initial
zooming ratio and that corresponding to the maximum correlation value.
[0036] Since the magnitude of an object image picked up by the TV camera varies depending
on a distance from the object to the TV camera, the distance can be calculated from
the zooming ratio which gives the maximum correlation value if a relation between
the Zooming ratio and the distance at which the magnitude of the object image becomes
equal to that of the reference pattern.
[0037] Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided an optical information
processing apparatus capable of not only pattern-matching but also measuring a rotation
angle of an object and a distance to the object.
[0038] Although the liquid crystal displays of electrically writable type are used for the
first, second and third spatial light modulators in the present preferred embodiment,
spatial light modulator such as light-writable liquid crystal devices, optical crystal
devices such as BSO
S or the like may be used. [Second preferred embodiment]
[0039] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the optical information processing apparatus according
to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals
in Fig. 3 indicates like elements in Fig. 1.
[0040] In the second preferred embodiment, a memory 101 is provided for memorizing data
of coordinate transformation computer generated hologram calculated beforehand for
plural coordinate transformations using sampling points of respective pixels on the
second liquid crystal display 6 and data of Fourier transformation computer generated
hologram calculated beforehand for plural reference patterns using sampling points
of respective pixels on the second liquid crystal display 6, namely voltage data to
be applied corresponding to transmittances of respective pixels of the second liquid
crystal display.
[0041] Reference numerals 102 and 103 are photo-electric transforming device arranged on
the rear focal plane of the second lens 8 and signal means for transforming an output
signal from the photo-electric transforming device to a signal adapted to the first
liquid crystal display 2, for instance, a non-interrace signal and inputting the same
to the first liquid crystal display 2, respectively.
[0042] In operation, when an object image is picked up by the TV camera 1, the image is
displayed on the first liquid crystal display 2. The same is irradiated by a coherent
light emitted from the diode laser 3 and collimated by the first collimate lens 5.
Since the first liquid crystal display 2 is arranged on the front focal plane of the
first lens 5, an image I
F Fourier transformed by the first lens 5 is formed on the second liquid crystal display
6 arranged on the rear focal plane of the first lens 5.
[0043] At the same time, phase information A of each phase filter for optical coordinate
transformation is displayed on the second liquid crystal display 6 in a form of coordinate
transforming computer generated hologram by modulating transmittances of respective
pixels of the second liquid crystal display 6 using data written in the memory 101
as input signal.
[0044] Accordingly, the Fourier transformed image I
F of the object image and the phase information A for performing a specific coordinate
transformation is superposed on the second liquid crystal display 6 and, thereby,
a composite image I
F x A is formed.
[0045] Also, since the second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged on the front focal planed
of the second lens 8, the composite image I
F x A is optically Fourier transformed by the second lens 8 and the coordinate transformed
image CT(I
F){=FT-(I
FxA)} is detected by the photoelectric transforming device 102 arranged on the rear
focal plane of the second lens. This image is displayed on the first liquid crystal
display 2 by the signal transforming means 103.
[0046] At this time, a Fourier-transformed image [B=FT(b) orFT {CT(B)}] of a specific reference
pattern b or a coordinate-transformed image CT(B) of a Fourier-transformed image B=FT(b)
as an optical filter is displayed on the second liquid crystal display 6 in a form
of Fourier transformation computer generated hologram by modulating transmittances
of respective pixels of the second liquid crystal display 6 using data written in
the memory 101 as input signals.
[0047] Accordingly, the Fourier-transformed image FT{CT(I
F)} of the coordinate-transformed image CT(I
F) and the Fourier-transformed image FT{CT( B)} calculated beforehand from the coordinate-transformed
reference pattern CT(B) are superposed on the second liquid crystal display 6 and,
thereby, an optical product FT{CT(I
F)} x FT{CT(B)} is obtained.
[0048] This optical product of two Fourier-transformed image is optically transformed by
the second lens 8 since the second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged on the front
focal plane of the second lens 8.
[0049] If both coordinate-transformed images CT(I
F) and CT(B) coincide with each other, a luminescent point is generated on the rear
focal plane of the second lens 8 and is detected by the photoelectric transforming
device 102.
[0050] Thus, substantially same effects as those of the first preferred embodiment are obtained
by this preferred embodiment.
[0051] Further, according to this preferred embodiment, the third lens 9, the third liquid
crystal display 10, the second memory 11 and the fourth lens 12 of the first preferred
embodiment can be omitted since the coordinate-transformed images are displayed on
the first liquid crystal display 2 using the photoelectric transforming device 102
and the signal transforming means 103. Thus, the length of optical path becomes one
half of that of the first preferred embodiment and, therefore, a compact and light
optical information processing apparatus can be obtained. [Third preferred embodiment]
[0052] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Like reference numerals in Fig. 4 denote like elements in Fig. 3.
[0053] In Fig. 4, reference numerals 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 indicate a third spatial
light modulator using a light refractive material, a third being a contraction projection
lens, a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter and an optical path switching
mirror, respectively. The first liquid crystal display 2 is arranged on the front
focal plane of the first lens 5 and the spatial light modulator 201 is arranged on
the rear focal plane of the first lens 5. Further, the second lens 8 is arranged so
as for the front focal plane thereof to coincide with the rear focal plane of the
first lens 5 and the photo-electric transforming device 102 is arranged on the rear
focal plane of the second lens 8.
[0054] In operation, when an object image is picked up by the TV camera 1, the object image
is displayed on the first liquid crystal display 2. This display 2 is irradiated by
a coherent light emitted from the laser diode 3 and collimated by the first collimater
lens 5. Since it is arranged on the rear focal plane of the first lens 5, namely on
the spatial light-modulator 201 by the first lens 5.
[0055] At the same time, the phase information A of the phase filter for performing a coordinate
transformation optically is displayed on the second liquid crystal display 6 in a
form of coordinate transforming computer generated hologram by modulating transmittances
of respective pixels of the second liquid crystal display 6 using data written in
the memory 101 as input signals. This coordinate transforming computer generated hologram
is irradiated by a collimated light which is splitted by the first beam splitter 203
arranged at the rear side of the collimate lens 4 and is written into the spatial
light-modulator device 201 in a form of a spatial distribution of the reflectance
by the third lens 202.
[0056] Accordingly, the Fourier-transformed image I
F of the object image and the phase information A are reflected in a manner superposed
on the spatial light-modulator 201. Since the spatial light-modulator 201 is arranged
on the front focal plane of the second lens 8, the optical product I
F x A of the Fourier-transformed image I
F and the phase information A is optically Fourier-transformed by the second lens 8
and the coordinate-transformed image
CT(I
F){=FT(I
FxA)} of the Fourier-transformed image I
F is detected by the photo-electric transforming device 102 arranged on the rear focal
plane of the second lens 8. It is displayed on the first liquid crystal display 2
by the signal transforming means 103.
[0057] At the same time, A Fourier-transformed image[B=FT(b) or FT{CT(B)}] of a specific
reference pattern b or a coordinate-transformed image CT(B) of a Fourier-transformed
image B=FT(b) as an optical filter is displayed on the second liquid crystal display
2 in a form of a Fourier-transformation computer generated hologram by modulating
transmittances of respective pixels of the second liquid crystal display 2 spatially
using data written into the memory 101 as input signals.
[0058] Accordingly, the Fourier-transformed images FT{CT(I
F)} and FT{CT(B)} are superposed on the spatial light modulator 201 and the superposed
image FT{CT(I
F)} x FT{CT(B)} is reflected thereby. Also, since the spatial light modulator 201 is
arranged on the front focal plane of the second lens 8, the superposed image FT{CT(I
F)} x FT{CT(B)} is optically Fourier-transformed by the second lens 8.
[0059] If the coordinate-transformed images CT(I
F) and CT(B) coincide with each other, a luminescent point is generated on the rear
focal plane of the second lens 8 and detected by the photo-electric transforming device
102.
[0060] According to this preferred embodiment, effects substantially same as those of the
second preferred embodiment can be obtained.
[0061] Further, it becomes possible to raise the spatial density of pixels of the liquid
crystal display substantially in the present embodiment since the image on the second
liquid crystal display 6 written into the spatial light modulator 201 after contracting
the same by the third lens 202. This means that it is possible to realize a matched
filter, including higher frequency components then those in the first and second preferred
embodiments on the spatial light modulator 201. In other words, the present preferred
embodiment can provide an optical information processing device capable of discriminating
an object including capable of discriminating an object including a much more fine
structure when compared with the foregoing preferred embodiments.
[Fourth preferred embodiment]
[0062] Fig. 5 is a block diagram for showing a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention wherein like reference numerals denote like elements illustrated in Fig.
3.
[0063] In this preferred embodiment, there is provided a memory 301 which memorizes data
of computer generated hologram calculated on the basis of data obtained by producing
phase information for performing a coordinate transformation by complex amplitude
information obtained by Fourier-transforming a coordinate-transformed image of a Fourier-transformed
image of a reference pattern, namely voltage data to be applied corresponding to transmittances
of respective pixels of the second liquid crystal display 2.
[0064] In operation of the fourth preferred embodiment when an object image is picked up
by the TV camera 1, it is displayed on the first liquid crystal display 2. This liquid
crystal display 2 is irradiated with a coherent light emitted from the laser diode
3 and collimated by the first collimate lens 4. Since the first liquid crystal display
2 is arranged on the front focal plane of the first lens 5, a Fourier-transformed
image I
F is formed on the second liquid crystal display 6.
[0065] Next, a method for forming the computer generated hologram to be displayed on the
second liquid crystal display 6 will be explained.
[0066] At first, phase information A for performing the coordinate transformation is formed.
The forming method of the phase information its self is disclosed in the article of
D. Cavasent et. al. mentioned above.
[0067] Next, complex amplitude information FT{CT(B)} is formed by Fourier-transforming a
coordinate-transformed image of a Fourier-transformed image B of a reference pattern.
Then, new complex amplitude information C[=AxFT{CT(B)}] is formed by producing the
phase information A by the complex amplitude information FT{CT(B)}. The data based
on this new complex amplitude information C are written into the memory 301 and the
computer generated hologram is realized on the second liquid crystal display 6 by
modulating transmittances of respective pixels of the second liquid crystal display
6 spatially using the data memorized in the memory 301 as input signals.
[0068] Thus, the Fourier-transformed I
F and the new complex amplitude information C[=AxFT{CT(B)}] are superposed on the second
liquid crystal display 6.
[0069] This optical product I
F x C [=I
FxAxFT{CT(B)}] is equivalent to the superposed image on the third liquid crystal display
10 in the first preferred embodiment. This is understood as follows. In the first
preferred embodiment, the Fourier-transformed image I
F of an object image and the phase information A are superposed on the second liquid
crystal display 6. This optical product I
F x A is Fourier-transformed twice by the second and third lens 8 and 9 and, therefore,
it is kept as it is. Then, the optical product I
F x A and the complex amplitude information FT{CT(B)} are superposed on the third liquid
crystal display, namely I
F x A x FT{CT(B)} is obtained thereon. This state is same as that realized on the second
liquid crystal display in the fourth preferred embodiment. This is the reason why
the optical product on the second liquid crystal display 6 of the preferred embodiment
is equivalent to that realized on the third liquid crystal display of the first preferred
embodiment.
[0070] Further, since the second liquid crystal display 6 is arranged on the from focal
plane of the second lens 8, the optical product I
F x A x FT{CT(B)} is further Fourier-transformed by the second lens 8.
[0071] Thus, if the object is identical to the reference pattern, a luminescent point is
generated on the rear focal plane of the second lens 8 and is detected by the photo-detector
13.
[0072] According to the fourth preferred embodiment, all of effects obtained by first and
second preferred embodiments can be obtained.
[0073] Further, since no signal transforming means is needed in the fourth preferred embodiment
and it is not necessary to redisplay the coordinate-transformed image of the Fourier-transformed
image of an object image on the first liquid crystal display 6, there is provided
an optical information processing apparatus -having a fast processing time.
[Fifth preferred embodiment]
[0074] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein like reference numerals denote like elements illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 4
or Fig. 5.
[0075] This fifth preferred embodiment provides a memory 301 memorizing data for controlling
the second liquid crystal display 6 instead of the memory 101 and the signal transforming
means 103 of the third preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0076] The memory 301 memorizes the data substantially same as those used in the fourth
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] In operation thereof, an object image picked up by the TV camera 1 is displayed on
the first liquid crystal display 2 which is irradiated by a coherent light emitted
from the laser diode 3 and collimated by the collimater lens 4. The object image displayed
on the first liquid crystal display 2 is optically Fourier-transformed by the first
lens 5 and the Fourier-treansformed image I
F is formed on the spatial light-modulating device 201 arranged on the rear focal plane
of the first lens 5. At the same time, a computer generated hologram is formed on
the light-modulating device 201 in a manner similar to that stated in the fourth preferred
embodiment. Namely, it is formed by modulating transmittances of respective pixels
of the second liquid crystal display 6 spatially using the data memorized in the memory
301 as input signals. The computer generated hologram thus formed on the second liquid
crystal display 6 which is irradiated by a coherent light splitted by the first beam
splitter 203 is projected on the spatial light-modulating device 201 contractedly
by the third lens 202 in a form of spatial distribution of the reflectance.
[0078] Accordingly, the Fourier-transformed image I
F and data C[=AxFT{CT(B)}] which is an optical product of the phase information A and
complex amplitude information FT{CT(B)} are superposed on the spatial light-modulating
device 201 and reflected thereby.
[0079] This optical product I
F x C[=I
FxAxFT{CT(B)}] is the same as that obtained in the fourth preferred embodiment and
is optically Fourier-transformed by the second lens 8. If the object image coincides
with the reference pattern, a luminescent point is generated on the light detecting
device 13.
[0080] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, all the effects
obtained by the foregoing preferred embodiment can be also obtained.
[0081] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred
embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted
that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the
present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.